Plumber jailed for tax fraud

A plumber from the West Midlands has been jailed for committing £91,000-worth of tax fraud.

As a result, he has been jailed for 12 months.

David Williams, from Sandwell, was arrested in September 2011 as a result of an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Williams pleaded guilty to charges of Evasion of Income Tax, contrary to the Taxes Management Act 1970.

A search of his home address uncovered thousands of pounds in cash. The tax evaded of £91,000 was detained and has been awarded to HMRC.

Adrian Farley, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: “Today’s sentencing is a result of our robust action to clampdown on plumbers, gas fitters, heating engineers, electricians and other tradespeople who fail to declare their earnings and pay the correct tax. As well as stealing from the nation’s public finances these individuals also gain an unfair tax advantage over their business competitors.”

He added: “We will not hesitate to investigate those we suspect of committing this fraud and ask anyone with information about individuals who may be involved in tax evasion to contact the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887.”

On sentencing, Judge Challinor, said: “Those tempted to avoid paying income tax must be deterred.”